As a coffee enthusiast and avid TikTok user, I found this viral sensation pop up on my screen. After seeing how fluffy and smooth it looked I had to try it.
Since my first try months ago I’ve been experimenting with different flavor combinations. Trying to figure out what works and most importantly what doesn’t.
After some extensive research, I decided to make this guide to help you learn how to make dalgona coffee the right way.
This simple recipe doesn’t have any fancy bells and whistles and it doesn’t need them. If you’re a fan of strong coffee, this one’s for you. But if you’re not, stay tuned and I’ll tell you how to fix that!
Keep reading to find out how to make dalgona coffee.
What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee has many names. It is also known as whipped coffee or TikTok coffee. It’s a fluffy and creamy coffee, similar to a frappe. If you’ve never tried dalgona coffee before, it tastes like an iced latte because of its milky and foamy texture, but stronger.
It’s made with 4 simple ingredients, coffee, sugar, water, and milk. Dalgona coffee has 2 layers, the first is made of milk and sometimes ice. The second is the actual whipped coffee that sits on top, like a reversed frappe.
It has recently emerged from South Korea but has been around for years with roots in Greece and India despite all of the recent hype on TikTok. It took off after a Korean actor named Jung Il-woo visited Macau where he encountered this frothy beverage. It reminded him of a Korean sponge candy called dalgona candy, hence the name.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp instant coffee, decaf works too
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp boiling water
- ¾ cup milk or any milk alternative
- Electric mixer, whisk, or hand frother
- Bowl
- Ice (optional)
Step By Step: How To Make Dalgona Coffee
This recipe serves 2, to create 1 serving simply halve the ingredients. To create a larger batch just multiply your ingredients keeping the same ratio of 1:1:1.
Step 1 – Combine Your Ingredients In A Bowl
Combine the sugar, coffee, and water into a medium-sized bowl. Set your electric mixer to a medium-high speed and mix for 4-8 minutes. If you are using a manual whisk this can take 8-12 minutes of vigorous whisking.
When using your manual whisk switch up your whipping motion. Try using a zig-zag, circular, and back and forth motion to fold the air in.
Your mixture should have gone from a dark brown to a light golden brown. It should have a smooth and fluffy texture and be able to hold its shape (stiff peaks).
Step 2 – Prep Your Glass
Fill a glass ¾ full with milk of your choice, and ice if you want it chilled.
Step 3 – Add Your Dalgona Coffee And Serve
Add a dollop and swirl the whipped coffee texture on top of your milk to create a fluffy cap.
Mix your drink and enjoy.
Dalgona coffee is already pretty strong and contains 4-6 cups worth of coffee. If you prefer it stronger simply add more whipped coffee and reduce the amount of milk, or vice versa if you prefer it weaker.
Some Optional Add-Ins
- Use chocolate milk instead of regular milk and create a dalgona mocha
- Sprinkle some pumpkin spice or cinnamon over the top for extra flavor
- Drizzle your syrup of choice over the top, vanilla and caramel work great
What Else Can I Use Dalgona Coffee For?
- Top your brownies with it
- Dip some cookies into it
- Make a large batch and freeze it for some creamy coffee ice cream
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Drink Dalgona Coffee?
Simple, mix it!
Before drinking your dalgona coffee mix the milk and the creamy layer of dalgona coffee with a straw or spoon. Don’t worry, it will still retain its fluffy texture after.
Can I Use Ground Coffee Or Pre-Ground Beans?
No, it won’t work regardless of how finely you grind it. This is the case for K-cups and coffee pods too.
Instant coffee and freshly ground coffee have some differences. Instant coffee has been brewed, processed, and freeze-dried to form coffee crystals that dissolve. The emphasis is on dissolve!
Instant coffee also contains soy lecithin and emulsifiers that are important to help your whipped coffee become thick and foamy.
If you use ground coffee you will be left with clumps of ground coffee in a sugary liquid… No thanks.
How Long Does Dalgona Coffee Last?
If you make large batches of dalgona coffee, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for no more than 3 days. You may need to give it an extra mix before serving. Eventually, it will lose its foaminess and dissolve. Make sure to keep the milk separate.
What Kind Of Sugar Can You Use?
Any granulated sugar or sweetener is fine, which includes white, brown, or raw sugars. I’ve found that using agave or honey works great too.
Can I Make Dalgona Coffee Without Sugar?
Yes, it’ll still fluff up the same amount but it will only last for 2 minutes or so before turning into a liquid again. When you use white sugar it will keep its fluffiness for a lot longer.
How Can I Make Dalgona Coffee Without A Hand Mixer?
Use a stand mixer, hand frother, or hand whisk. It can take 8-12 minutes of vigorous mixing.
When using your manual whisk switch up your whipping motion. Try using a zig-zag, circular, and back and forth motion.
Don’t use a spoon as it takes a lot longer. Use a bowl and not a jar or mug to whip enough air into it.
Do I Have To Use Cold Milk?
Nope, you can use hot or cold milk depending on your preference. Most people prefer it as an iced coffee. To drink it hot just warm up your milk before adding the dalgona coffee in and mixing.
What To Do Next?
Well, there you have it, learning how to make dalgona coffee really is that simple. Enjoy!
For more recipes check out our guides here.
